News Release

Data Capacity Increased to Enable Faster Uploads and Downloads; More Than $2.3 B Invested Regionally Since 2000; Verizon Wireless Test Drivers Drove More Than 18,000 Miles on Local Roadways in First Half of Year

The increased coverage is part of the company’s aggressive multi-billion dollar network investment each year to stay ahead of the growing demand for Verizon Wireless’ voice and data services. Last year alone, the company spent $274 million on regional network improvements, bringing total network investment in the region since 2000 to more than $2.3 billion.

“Even the most sophisticated wireless device is only as good as the network it runs on,” said Mike Maiorana. “Verizon Wireless continues to invest in our network and add capacity to stay ahead of growing demand and ensure our customers have an even better wireless experience tomorrow than they had today.”

Verizon Wireless has the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G broadband network which makes advanced services like turn-by-turn navigation, over-the-air downloads of the latest applications, text/picture messaging, video and music downloads, web browsing and 3D gaming possible. Customer demand for these advanced services continues to grow.

The company’s “nation’s most reliable wireless network” reputation is based on network studies performed by test men and test women throughout the country. Locally, test men and women traveled more than 18,747 miles of area roadways to test the Verizon Wireless network and the networks of competitors in the first half of 2010. Using sophisticated testing equipment, Verizon Wireless’ local team of network technicians conducted 66,552 voice call attempts and 373,899 data tests on the Verizon Wireless network and the networks of major competitors. Unmarked test vehicles are equipped with computers that automatically conduct voice calls and data tests.*

Results from this internal network quality assurance test program confirm that Verizon Wireless is the 3G network quality leader in the Virginia, Maryland and DC region, and correlate with other third-party network quality findings.

In addition to enhancing its 3G network, Verizon Wireless has deployed its 4G LTE Network in 38 major metropolitan areas and 60 commercial airports coast to coast covering one-third of all Americans, and continues with plans to expand its 4G footprint throughout 2011. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE wireless network is the fastest and most advanced 4G network in America and offers speeds up to 10 times faster than the current 3G network.

Stay in the know about Verizon Wireless news in MD/DC/VA by following @VZWPRDC on Twitter. For the latest network-related news, information and upgrades, follow VZWNetwork on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNetwork.

About Verizon WirelessVerizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia .